Commentary On Mutus Liber

The fifteen plates of theMutus Liber"the Mute Book," are well known, and this book without words is recognized as a classic of the seventeenth-century alchemical tradition. Although the engravings seem to outline an alchemical process in detail, their message is not immediately obvious and it really requires a commentary to make it intelligible to the present-day reader. Adam McLean's extensive commentary on this series of engravings reveals theMutus Liberas a synthesis of spiritual, soul, and physical alchemy. While the entire secret of the physical process is not fully revealed in the plates, enough information is given to piece together details of a modus operandi; indeed, modern French alchemists like Canseliet and Barbault have found great inspiration and hints relating to the physical work in theMutus Liber. As one of the most significant documents of the alchemical tradition, this edition of theMutus Liberwill be appreciated by all students of the Hermetic tradition, for Adam McLean's fascinating and insightful commentary throws a penetrating light on both the spiritual and physical dimensions of the Great Work.

Adam McLeanis a well known authority on alchemical texts and symbolism. He is the editor and publisher of over 40 books on alchemical and Hermetic ideas. Based in the UK, he has been writing and researching alchemical and hermetic literature for many years. Between 1978 and 1992, he edited theHermetic Journaland began publishing theMagnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks, includingThe Alchemical Mandala, The Magical Calendar, andRosicrucian Emblems. McLean organized the alchemy website, www.levity.com/alchemy and an extensive reference work on the subject. He lives in England.